Chae Un Kim
Cornell University, Ithaca NY
Abstract:
Large biological
molecules like proteins and RNA, carry out their functions by folding to
well-defined three-dimensional structures. We are interested in the physical
interactions that direct this self-assembly process. By combining techniques
of time resolved small angle x-ray scattering and synchrotron hydroxyl
radical footprinting we have gained insight on both a global and local scale
into the earliest steps of folding of the Tetrahymena ribozyme, a model for
large RNAs. Previous work has shown that the first folding step involves
electrostatic relaxation of the molecule. A recent series of experiments
that identify the tertiary contacts that form from within this compact state
will be discussed.
2008 Run
Nov 19th - Dec 22nd
